Summary

A new report said Kevin Owens is expected to be re-evaluated this summer as he continues recovery from neck fusion surgery.

Owens underwent successful neck fusion surgery in July 2025 after Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 41 was canceled on the April 4, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown.

The report added that WWE is hopeful Owens will be able to return at some point in 2026.

Kevin Owens recovery timeline keeps WWE return plans open for 2026

Kevin Owens being set for a summer re-evaluation keeps his in-ring timeline fluid, because the next medical update is positioned as the key checkpoint after surgery.

With WWE reportedly hopeful for a 2026 return, the company can still plan around Owens as a possible late-year roster addition if recovery continues to progress.

Quotes

Quote from Kevin Owens

“The thing is now we have to see how the bones fuse, and there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work. It’s all my body heals, and we’ll see. Some guys had success, some guys didn’t. Fingers crossed, I get to come back to wrestling in the next year.”